📋 Complete Advertisement & Guidelines
Recruitment Overview
The CSIR - Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR CMERI), Durgapur, has released a notification for the engagement of temporary project staff under various sponsored research projects. This recruitment drive aims to fill 42 vacancies for positions including Project Assistant, Project Associate, Project JRF, Project SRF, Senior Project Associate, Project Scientist, and Project Research Scientist.
This is a Direct Recruitment based on a Walk-in Interview process. There is no written examination. Candidates with relevant educational qualifications (Diploma/B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech/PhD, etc.) and age limits (35-40 years) are eligible to attend the interview on 16 March 2026 and 17 March 2026. The engagement is purely temporary and project-based, offering hands-on R&D exposure in cutting-edge areas like robotics, digital manufacturing, and clean energy.
Key Highlights Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | CSIR – Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR CMERI), Durgapur |
| Post Name(s) | Project Assistant, Project Associate, JRF, SRF, Senior Project Associate, Project Scientist |
| Total Vacancies | 42 |
| Mode of Engagement | Walk-in Interview |
| Interview Dates | 16 March 2026 & 17 March 2026 |
| Location | CSIR CMERI, Mahatma Gandhi Avenue, Durgapur – 713209, West Bengal |
| Official Website | https://www.cmeri.res.in |
Vacancy Details
The total of 42 vacancies are distributed across various project staff posts. The indicative post codes and project tenure are as follows:
| Post Name | Indicative Post Codes | Total Posts | Project Tenure (Up to) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Assistant-II | P-2609 to P-2615 (various projects) | 42 (Total across all posts) | 30.06.2026 – 31.03.2028 (project-wise) |
| Project Associate-I | P-2616 to P-2624 and others | - | Up to 2026–2028 (project-wise) |
| Project Associate-II | P-2627, P-2636, P-2637, P-2640 etc. | - | Project-specific (up to 2027–2029) |
| Project JRF / Project SRF | P-2625, P-2626, P-2629, P-2630 etc. | - | Project-specific (up to 2027) |
| Senior Project Associate | P-2628, P-2635, P-2638 to P-2644 etc. | - | Project-specific (generally up to 2027) |
| Project Scientist / Project Research Scientist | P-2628, P-2631, P-2632 etc. | - | Project-specific (generally up to 2026–2027) |
Note: Exact distribution of the 42 vacancies by post code and discipline should be referred to in the official notification PDF.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Project Assistant-II: 3-year Diploma in Engineering/Technology (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Agricultural, Manufacturing, Automobile, etc.) OR B.Sc. in Physics/Chemistry for specific posts.
- Project Associate-I: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Aerospace, etc.) OR relevant Master’s degree in Physics/Electronics/Computer Science/Data Science.
- Project Associate-II: Same core B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech eligibility as Project Associate-I with minimum 2 years’ R&D experience, or higher qualification with required experience.
- Project JRF / Project SRF: Relevant Graduate/Postgraduate degree in Engineering/Technology or Science with qualification in CSIR-UGC NET/GATE or equivalent national level examination; SRF requires at least 2 years of post-qualification research experience.
- Senior Project Associate / Project Scientist / Project Research Scientist: B.E./B.Tech with 3–6 years’ R&D experience, or M.E./M.Tech with 2–4 years, or PhD in relevant engineering disciplines.
Desirable Skills: CAD/CAE (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA), ANSYS/Abaqus, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, machine learning, robotics, electric vehicles, hydrogen technology.
Age Limit
- Project Assistant / Project Associate (I & II) / Project JRF / Project Research Scientist: Maximum 35 years.
- Project SRF: Maximum 32 years.
- Senior Project Associate / Principal Project Associate / Project Scientist-I: Maximum 40 years (some Scientist posts 35 years).
Age Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD/Women and 3 years for OBC candidates as per Government of India/CSIR rules.
Age as on: Not explicitly specified; refer to the official notification for the cut-off date.
Mandatory Requirements
- No specific physical standards mentioned.
- Candidates working in CSIR projects or other organisations must bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their present employer.
Selection Process
The selection is based on a Walk-in Interview only; there is no written examination.
Selection Stages
- Screening: Initial screening based on eligibility, qualifications, experience, and skills.
- Interview: Personal interview to assess subject knowledge, technical skills, research aptitude, and communication.
- Document Verification: Verification of original certificates, mark sheets, experience certificates, and category certificates.
- Final Merit: Based on interview performance and overall suitability.
Application Fee
Not specified in the notification. Candidates should check the official PDF for any fee details.
How to Apply (Walk-in Interview Process)
- Visit the official CSIR CMERI website (https://www.cmeri.res.in) and go to the recruitment or career section.
- Download the prescribed Application Form for engagement of project staff against Advertisement No. PRCT/01/2026.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, experience, and clearly mention the post code(s) and post name you are applying for.
- Attach self-attested photocopies of all required documents – age proof, mark sheets, degree/diploma certificates, experience certificates, and category certificates (if applicable).
- Affix a recent passport-size colour photograph on the application form and carry additional photographs for the interview.
- Report at CSIR CMERI, Durgapur, on the scheduled date and time with the filled-in application form, original documents, and one set of self-attested photocopies.
- No separate online application submission is required. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
Important Dates
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-in Interview – Day 1 | 16 March 2026 | Interview for selected post codes (e.g., P-2609 to P-2615 and other groups) – reporting time as per official schedule. |
| Walk-in Interview – Day 2 | 17 March 2026 | Interview for remaining post codes in other groups – candidates must check exact reporting time in the notice. |
Note: Candidates are advised to reach the venue well before the reporting time and plan for possible delays, as the interview process can extend till late evening.
Salary / Pay Scale
| Post Category | Monthly Salary (Consolidated) |
|---|---|
| Project Assistant-II | Rs. 20,000/- per month with 15% increment after 3 years |
| Project Associate-I | Rs. 25,000/- or Rs. 31,000/- (with NET/GATE) |
| Project Associate-II | Rs. 28,000/- or Rs. 35,000/- (with NET/GATE) |
| Project JRF | Rs. 31,000–37,000/- per month |
| Project SRF | Rs. 42,000/- per month |
| Senior Project Associate | Rs. 42,000/- per month |
| Project Scientist-I / Project Research Scientist-I | Rs. 56,000/- per month |
Note: These are consolidated project fellowships and do not correspond to regular CSIR permanent pay scales. Engagement is purely temporary and project-based.
Important Links
- Official Notification PDF: Download Complete Walk-In Interview Advertisement
- Application Form PDF: Download Application Form
- Official Website: https://www.cmeri.res.in